Almond or Anise Sugar Cookies

This recipe makes soft sugar cookie dough that is easy to cut into shapes and that doesn't need to be chilled ahead of time, so it's fast and easy.  Total time from start to finish is less than an hour! Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup granulated white sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp…

Easy Hawaiian Cake

Celebrate warm weather!  Sometimes you need something super easy and quick and fancied-up cake mixes are the way to go... Ingredients for cake: 1 box white cake mix 1 small can mandarin oranges with juice 4 eggs 1/4 cup oil (vegetable, coconut, canola) 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce Ingredients for topping: 8 oz cool whip 1 small…

Pumpkin Blondies

A fall dessert everyone will love! Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 cup…

M&M Pudding Cookies

Moist, chewy, and full of M&Ms! Ingredients: 1/2 c unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature 1/2 c butter substitute (like brummel & brown yogurt spread), at room temperature 2/3 c brown sugar 1/4 c granulated sugar 3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix (Don't use the sugar free or the cook & serve!) 2…

Peppermint Crunch Brownie Cookies

Easy peasy brownie cookies!  I like to make things from scratch, but some days you're low on time or don't have all the ingredients you need and a box mix as a base saves the day! Read the full recipe, they are quick to make, but require 2 hours chill time in the refrigerator before…

Perfectly Chewy Ginger Snaps

I think these may be the best cookies I've ever made!  Of course, I LOVE ginger cookies, and these are perfectly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside! Ingredients: 2 c bread flour (you can use all-purpose flour if you don't have bread flour) 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp baking soda 1…

Healthier Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I've been craving oatmeal raisin cookies lately and decided to try to make them somewhat healthier.  These turned out pretty good! Ingredients: 3 Tbsp light butter, room temperature (I use brummel & brown yogurt spread) 1/4 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup  whole wheat flour 1…

Shortbread Sugar Cookies

Part sugar cookie, part shortbread... yes, they are perfection! Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temp 3/4 cup veg oil 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 TBS water 2 eggs 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp salt 5 1/2 cup all purpose flour Extra 1/4 cup granulated…

Chocolate Yogurt Bundt Cake

I had to try a recipe in my $3 bundt cake pan I found yesterday!  This was an easy and delicious first try at making a bundt cake.  It's very dense and chocolatey!  Definitely requires a glass of milk as an accompaniment. Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt 1 1/4 cups sugar 3/4 cup…

Coconut Almond Biscotti

I've always wanted to try making my own biscotti and after comparing many recipes and playing around with ingredients and amounts, I've put together this recipe, which seems to be well received by all! Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1…